ITANAGAR, Apr 12: The BJP candidate for the Khonsa West assembly constituency, Phawang Lowang, has sought “adjournment” of the election held there, alleging coercion and criminal intimidation by supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP).
In a representation to the Election of Commission of India, Lowang said NPP supporters forcibly entered the residence of one Wangte Hakhun in Laho village at around 5 am on 10 April and beat up Hakhun and his family members, “causing grievous injuries to them.”
Lowang claimed that Hakun’s wife, Chanan Hakhun, was injured by a bullet, allegedly fired by the mob.
Lowang claimed that the miscreants were NPP candidate Tirong Aboh’s supporters from Dadam village.
He has demanded “adjournment” of the polling, saying that “the criminal activities carried out by the NPP supporters” amounted to booth capturing.
Meanwhile, the Tirap district election officer (DEO) informed that complaints have been received from different political parties, such as the BJP and the NPP, adding that “they have been examined as per the ECI norms and necessary action will be taken.”
However, the DEO denied that there was poll rigging or booth capturing, and said the voters exercised their franchise “in a free and fair manner under the supervision of the election observer.”
This daily was unable to contact NPP candidate Aboh for a comment.
